New Zealand public help improve PHARMAC decision making

After listening to what New Zealanders had to say, the country’s Pharmaceutical Management Agency PHARMAC said today that it has changed the way it makes decisions - the most significant change to its decision making in its 23 year history.

“This is a big improvement and an exciting change for PHARMAC; one that wouldn’t have been possible without public engagement,” says PHARMAC chief executive Steffan Crausaz, adding: “The public’s views were essential as the way we make decisions affects nearly every New Zealander.”

PHARMAC has worked with a wide range of stakeholders on the change, including patients, clinicians, care-givers and consumers; PHARMAC held nationwide forums in order to consult with as many community groups as possible.